The college sports landscape has undergone significant changes over the past few years, including conference realignments, the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the elimination of the National Letter of Intent (NLI), and the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) from four to twelve teams.

Conference Realignment
Conference realignment has intensified recently, driven primarily by lucrative television deals. On July 21, 2021, Texas and Oklahoma announced their move from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), increasing the SEC’s membership from 14 to 16 teams. This move prompted the Big Ten to invite USC and UCLA from the Pac-12, aiming to strengthen its competitive position. Subsequently, Oregon and Washington also joined the Big Ten, while Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah moved to the Big 12. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) expanded by adding California and Stanford from the Pac-12, along with SMU from the American Athletic Conference. These shifts left the Pac-12 with only Washington State and Oregon State. In response, the Pac-12 has reportedly considered adding schools like Fresno State, San Diego State, Colorado State, Boise State, and Gonzaga (for basketball) to rebuild its membership. These realignments are largely motivated by substantial television contracts, such as the SEC’s $3 billion deal with ESPN and the Big Ten’s $7 billion agreement, providing significant annual payouts to member schools.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)
The Supreme Court’s June 21, 2021, decision against the NCAA’s restrictions on athlete compensation paved the way for NIL deals, allowing college athletes to profit from their personal brands. Following this ruling, states enacted laws governing NIL, and schools established collectives to facilitate athlete compensation. However, this shift raised concerns about athletes who competed before NIL policies were implemented. In response, lawsuits were filed against the NCAA, leading to a settlement on October 7, 2024, in which the NCAA agreed to pay $2.78 billion to athletes who played as far back as 2016, compensating them for missed NIL opportunities.

Elimination of the National Letter of Intent (NLI)
In a significant development, the NCAA announced the elimination of the National Letter of Intent program, effective immediately. Established in 1964, the NLI served as a binding agreement between prospective athletes and college programs. Its removal is expected to impact the recruiting process, as schools and athletes will now rely on financial aid agreements to formalize commitments.

College Football Playoff (CFP) Expansion
The College Football Playoff is set to expand from four to twelve teams, aiming to provide greater access and opportunities for programs to compete for a national championship. This expansion reflects the evolving dynamics of college football and the desire to enhance the postseason experience for teams and fans alike.

The college sports landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with these developments reshaping traditional structures and practices. As these changes unfold, stakeholders and fans alike will be keenly observing their long-term implications.

Sources:
NCAA approves elimination of national letter of intent program
College Football 2024: Conference Realignments & Expanded Playoffs
NCAA college athletes closer to pay-to-play with judge’s preliminary approval of settlement
Everything you need to know about the NCAA’s NIL debate